Verizon DROID ULTRA and DROID MINI arrive in white

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Verizon has added a new color for the DROID ULTRA and DROID MINI handsets. As of today, both handsets are available in white. This new white model joins the previously available black and red and is basically, the same handsets, just in a new color. Simply put, the pricing and the specs each remain the same as had been.

The DROID ULTRA is currently priced at $99.99 on a new two-year agreement, and the DROID MINI is $49.99, also with a two-year agreement. Otherwise, those looking to make monthly payments can expect to pay $18.97 for the ULTRA or $16.81 for the MINI using the Edge program. There is also the option to pay full retail. In that case, the ULTRA would be $449.99 and the MINI would be $399.99.

While these handsets both sport different size displays, the share many of the same features. They each have 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM along with a 2 megapixel front-facing camera and 10 megapixel RGBC rear-facing camera with quick capture. They both also have the Motorola X8 Mobile Computing System which means some extra perks.

The goodies that come along with the X8 include Active Display and Touchless Control, both features that are also found on the Moto X. The DROID handsets also have DROID Zap and the Command Center, both of which are exclusive to the DROID lineup. Otherwise, the DROID ULTRA has a 2130 mAh battery and the DROID MINI has a 2000 mAh battery, both of which are said to be able to offer up to 28 hours of run time.

Lastly, the DROID ULTRA has a 5.0-inch display and the MINI has a 4.3-inch display. But of course, the main difference for the DROID ULTRA and DROID MINI is simply the new color, white.

Verizon confirms Samsung Galaxy S4 coming in May

Verizon has confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be available on their network during the month of May via Twitter this afternoon. We've previously seen a May 30 date leaked from Staples for the Verizon version of the S4, but no actual date was given today.

As just about every other US carrier has given out release information on their version of the Galaxy S4, it' nice to see Verizon say something -- even if it is just the month. With May right around the corner, I've a feeling we'll know more soon. Of course, we'll let you know as soon as we do.

Source: @VZWnews

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Verizon Q1 2013 earnings: another big quarter for big red

Verizon has just posted its Q1 2013 earnings, and while it reports both its wireless and wireline businesses in one release, we're going to break out the wireless parts separately. Let's hit the high points first:

$19.5 billion in revenue, up 6.8-percent year over year$16.2 billion of that revenue was related to selling service, up 6.9-percent y-o-yPostpaid ARPA (Average Revenue Per Account) was $150.27 per month, up 6.9-percent also677,000 net customer additions for the quarter98.9 million retail connections (93.2 million postpaid) in total at the end of the quarter, up 6.4-percentRetail postpaid churn was 1.01-percent, up 5 basis points

Overall, it seems like a solid quarter for the company, posting improvements and increases on nearly every company metric. Customers, accounts, revenues and earnings per account all went up in the quarter. Verizon has also pointed out that its LTE network now reaches 287 million people in a staggering 491 markets across the country. The continuous quarters where Verizon makes boatloads of money don't seem to be stopping any time soon.

Source: Verizon

Verizon moves to longer and stricter upgrade times

A few changes to how Verizon is doing upgrades were announced today, none of which are particularly beneficial to subscribers. The current 20-month waiting period for device upgrades has been extended to 24-months; Verizon says this "aligns the upgrade date with the contract end date and is consistent with how the majority of customers purchase new phones today." Current contracts that are up in January of 2014 or later will be affected by this change.

Verizon has also given a 3 day notice that all New Every Two program credits will expire. Anyone wishing to make use of their credits before they're gone forever must do so before April 15. Upgrade sharing is here to stay, but upgrades can no longer be mixed and matched between device types. That is, an upgrade for a phone can only be used for a phone, not for a tablet or hotspot.

This is an interesting move by Verizon, coming only a few weeks after T-Mobile's no-contract plans. It looks like Big Red isn't worried about longer and more restricted upgrades pushing folks over to other carriers, especially now that no contract plans with separate phone payments are being offered. Will these changes affect your carrier of choice? Sing out in the comments.

Source: Verizon

Verizon Messages now offers texting via tablets and computers

Verizon is updating its own messaging app today to support cross-platform syncing of SMS and MMS messages using your Verizon phone number. Users taking advantage of the Verizon Messages app on their Android phone can now carry on continuous conversations between the phone, their Android (or iOS) tablet and on the web from their computer. The apps send and receive regular SMS or MMS messages that appear as though they're coming to and from your own Verizon phone number. Messages stay saved and synced for 90 days on Verizon's end, but can also be exported and saved to external storage on your devices.

The new apps not only keep conversations synced between all of your devices, but also provide a central repository for all of the pictures, links and other attachments you receive. The new update has also added the ability to set an auto-reply for when you're busy and to optionally show your location to friends you're talking to.

If you're interested in trying out the new Verizon Messages service, you can download the app for your phone or tablet form the Play Store link above. The web interface can be found at the source link below, or under your "My Verizon" account.

Source: Verizon; More: Verizon Messages